U22 Philippines won the first ticket to the semi-finals of SEA Games 33

On the evening of December 8, U22 Philippines defeated U22 Indonesia 1-0 in Chiang Mai (Thailand), thereby winning the first ticket to the semi-finals of men's football at the 33rd SEA Games.

U22 Philippines became the first team to enter the semi-finals of SEA Games 33 - Photo: PFF

The first half of the match witnessed a one-sided performance by U22 Indonesia. The team from the archipelago controlled the ball most of the time and created many dangerous opportunities towards the U22 Philippines goal.

Despite playing at a disadvantage, U22 Philippines unexpectedly took the lead with U22 Indonesia's signature throw-in technique.

In the 45+1 minute, from a long throw-in by his teammate, Otu Banatao took advantage of a failed clearance by the U22 Indonesia defense to jump high and head the ball, putting his team ahead.

After conceding the goal, U22 Indonesia made a number of substitutions and continued to maintain a one-sided attacking style in the second half. However, despite possessing a highly rated squad, with the presence of many national team players and players of Dutch origin, U22 Indonesia still struggled in finishing.

A series of efforts by Rafael Struick, Rivaldo Pakpahan and captain Ivar Jenner all went in vain. Rafael Struick was even substituted early after a series of inaccurate shots.

In the end, U22 Philippines kept a clean sheet and maintained the score of 1-0 until the end of the match. This victory helped coach Garrath McPherson's team rise to the top of Group C with 6 points after 2 matches, thereby becoming the first team to qualify directly to the semi-finals of the men's football event of the 33rd SEA Games.

For U22 Indonesia, losing in the opening match puts coach Indra Sjafri and his team at risk of being eliminated from the group stage of this year's SEA Games, when the tournament changes to a new format.

U22 Indonesia is the current gold medalist in the most recent tournament. In this year's tournament, they do not have the services of classy midfielder Marselino Ferdinan.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/u22-philippines-gianh-ve-dau-tien-vao-ban-ket-sea-games-33-20251208200420649.htm